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Burlesque has become such a popular art form again. You see classes popping up in every dance studio in many cities. Then the thought comes to mind about taking one or two for yourself just for fun . . . But wait! Here are multiple things you would want to know about your future instructor, what you may be learning and a few tips and tricks that might help your Burlesqueducation!

Who Are You Is Teaching you?

There are many studios that do have professional dance teachers on staff, but do you know if the teacher is an established burlesque professional? Yes, there are people that choose this as a career path and are in the international scene as educators. New York City has many teachers. Among them, Dr. Lucky is a Ph.D. and faculty member at New York University, where she teaches "The History of American Burlesque" and Jo "Boobs" Weldon, author of "The Burlesque HandBook." Fan Dancer Michelle L'amour teaches out of Studio L'Amour in Chicago. There are multiple burlesque educators with a decade or more of experience. When you are seeking out a burlesque teacher, remember what your learning first. It's not like the Christina Aguilera film, as Dr. Lucky describes in her Interview with Think Big about The Hollywood Movie "Burlesque". Once you figure out what you are learning from the experienced educator, you can really entertain the thought of investing on more classes. You can find great burlesque teachers in your own town, so please search them out!

Tips:Make sure your teacher has at least a 4 to 5 year experience of Burlesque Striptease Techniques. Make sure your educator attends classes for continuous education. A simple Google search pops up Yelp reviews of studios and instructors!Ask Around! Word of mouth in often the best way to check out a class. Drop in to a class just for basic fun! That will help you get that first impression with the educator and the material they will be teaching.

Historical Background

Gypsy Rose Lee Burlesque Legend -

Burlesque has a rich long history. Educating yourself on it's beginnings is key for any one interested in the art form to learn. That will help you understand it's current popularity along with background. Having a moment to understand the difference between Neo Burlesque and Old School Burlesque is important. Some may argue they are the same, but others will make amazing arguments on how different and unique both are. Choose to understand them both and make them a part of your life. Burlesque old or new has multiple teachings that can be implemented in every day life from the glamour of the old to the vivacious variety of the new. The evolution has been amazing thru the centuries and trust us when we say, "You're in for a very wonderful surprise".

Burlesque history is easy to access on the world wide web. There are also movies devoted to it like Behind The Burly Q movie by Leslie Zemeckis that also has a book out now. Check out their website for the info http://www.behindtheburlyq.com/

The Burlesque Hall Of Fame is another good source of history. Located in Fremont Street in Las Vegas, they hold the annual competition for The Reining Queen of Burlesque. It are primarily an organization that prides itself on keeping burlesque history archived, alive and well. Becoming a member is easy and we highly recommend it!http://www.burlesquehall.com/

What Are You Learning?

Every class or long term workshop should offer a Syllabus that provides you with written information about what your are going to learn. Having this as reference material is great for you to do your own research. You can't learn everything about burlesque in a 60 minute class, and having supplemental material will aid you in your understanding of the art form. You should also get a resource of information with book titles and websites that will keep your continuous education right on track. There is blogs, websites, books, documentaries, libraries full of burlesque information that some teachers have to supplement their students with for their classes.

Is There A DIFFERENCE?

Old School Burlesque and Neo *The New* Burlesque are two different animals all together and thru the burlesque evolution it would be noted. Choose to understand them both and make them a part of your life, Burlesque old or new has multiple teachings that can be implemented in every day life. The glamour of the old and the vivacious variety of the new, The evolution has been amazing thru the centuries and trust us when we say "Your In For a Very Wonderful surprise".

The Body Beautiful Mentality

Burlesque is geared towards every body shape and size. Burlesque also knows no gender or sexual orientation preference. This is an art form that can be embraced and appreciated by so many people. There is no reason that any educator should ever turn any one away from a class or workshop for any reason. They should also never make the assumption that burlesque is a one size only form of entertainment, let alone a gender exclusive craft.

The acceptance of your body and it's movement is a unique victory and your instructor should be supportive and excited for this new body positive you. It's never an easy road to one's self acceptance but this art form welcomes you to expose yourself in more then one way to the world but more importantly to the discovery of you. Recently, Bella Sin, our Festival Director, went thru self discovery and she documented her journey in a touching blog.

The Investment

It's not only a time investment, but one that costs you money. You are not paying for an actual hour of class, but for the knowledge and skill that the instructor is giving you. When you learn a craft you want to make sure the investment paid to it your time is also returned -- even if it's just for fun!

Everything in burlesque can be applied in the every day style of life you have, from the walk to the talk. Trust us when we say it's as simple as remembering the few extra details in the morning or setting little reminders to yourself, like a post it note on your bathroom mirror that says, "You Look Beautiful Today" Yes, it's silly, but something you may not think of that will help you get the most out of burlesque!

The investment is quite a lot if you are becoming a performer. Your teacher is like a mama bird getting ready to let you go away from the nest and fly. Your classmates become your family and this glitter tribe will always be an experience that you will cherish having with your new found family.

Calculate your continuous education to your budget of the year. Not every one teaches the same way, so some may know more then others depending on the area they are located in. Burlesque is different all across the US! Think about attending festivals in particular. Trading skills and talking shop with other performers from all over the world could really change your view you can develop being in a small fish bowl. Think of it like an ocean of learning.

The Reward!

Think about how much you have learned, and who you will be by the point you have built this new skill. Think about the new friends and family members and the memories you will have created. How this challenge will set you on fire and be ready reveal a confident woman to the world with a high heeled walk or a new performer exposing a new gimmick to the stage? You never know what you are able to do till you try it!